The Auckland Sky Tower has taken a direct hit from a lightning bolt this lunchtime. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for several areas in northern Auckland, including Rodney, Gulf and Albany. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in force for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Bay of Plenty. The storms are expected to include torrential downpours, with up to 40mm of rain falling in an hour, which can lead to slips and flash flooding. Wind gust

The power of lightning. Watch the exact electrifying moment lightning strikes a tree during a thunderstorm ⚡😳 | AccuWeather

24K views · 199 reactions | This short surveillance video clip of lightning striking a tree next to a parking lot is an excellent reminder of the importance of proper lightning safety. https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning #severeprep | US National Weather Service Chicago Illinois | Facebook

Have YOU ever seen this?! ⚡️😱 Lightning strike THROUGH a cloud... This storm was also packing baseball-sized AND a tornado warning! What a storm! This epic storm happened in Potaeu, OK, last season. #LightningStrike #SevereWeather #StormChasing #NatureUnleashed #OklahomaStorms | Ricky Forbes